"frozen Planet" Spring(2011) Apr 2026

A mother polar bear is shown emerging from her den to hunt with her cubs on the sea ice.

This specific episode became the highest-rated natural history program in the UK since 2001, attracting nearly 10 million viewers. "Frozen Planet" Spring(2011)

The freshwater influx from melting rivers provides essential nutrients for vast shoals of cod and allows narwhals to navigate new cracks in the ice. A mother polar bear is shown emerging from

The episode famously features male penguins arriving early to build nests by collecting—and often stealing—precious stones to attract mates. The episode famously features male penguins arriving early

One of the episode's most surprising highlights follows this caterpillar, which can take up to 14 years to reach adulthood by freezing solid every winter and thawing each spring.

The dramatic breakup of the Hay River in Canada's Northwest Territories was filmed in late April 2009 for the "unlocked rivers" sequence.